Lucky Weasel Shotgun Choke

ABSTRACT

A choke to be used with a muzzle of a gun may include a housing which may include an inner surface and an outer surface, and the housing may include a substantially central bore. The inner surface may inwardly taper at the distal end of the choke, and the inner surface may include a first depression having a first dimension. The inner surface may include a second depression having a second dimension, and the inner surface may include a third depression having a third dimension. The inner surface may include a fourth depression having a fourth dimension, and the first dimension may be substantially equal to the third dimension. The second dimension may be substantially equal to the fourth dimension.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to firearms and more particularly to a shotgun choke.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is desirable in a variety of firearm applications and other uses wherein a plurality of projectiles traverse a tubular body at high velocity to produce a projectile distribution pattern of uniform distribution upon a remote target. Shotgun chokes have been used historically to increase the density of the pattern and thereby increase the range of the firearm by concentrating the projectiles more closely to a single axis in their flight. While this has the intended effects, the approach has limitations from gaps or holes that arise as the projectiles disperse from the axis in their flight.

It is also desirable in a variety of firearm applications and other uses wherein a plurality of projectiles traverse a tubular body at high velocity to produce a projectile distribution pattern of predetermined configuration upon a remote target. For example, it may be desirable to have a shotgun shell distribution produce an elliptical pattern in which the major axis is in the horizontal plane. Such a shot distribution may have considerable value in numerous and varied applications such as game hunting, guerilla warfare, and civil riot control. The primary advantage of such a shot distribution pattern is obvious, that being a much higher probability of striking the intended target with the missiles of the firearm.

Although numerous attachments, chokes, and other forms of projectile pattern shaping devices have been designed heretofore, whether it be for shotgun muzzles or forms of nozzles, none have adequately and reliably solved the problem of predetermined projectile distribution. Such devices are generally bulky, difficult and/or dangerous to use, and do not provide results in accordance with the intended or desired purpose. Specifically, in the realm of firearms, the problem has been engaged from a number of viewpoints by the prior art including the utilization of gas relieving apertures in the muzzle for venting explosion gasses quickly to atmosphere in a manner similar to the present invention, laterally extending slots in the wall of the shotgun bore or in the walls of a attachment thereto for permitting horizontal expansion of the shot pattern upon firing (U.S. Pat. No. 3,226,871), and a wide variety of conventional and rather unconventional choke designs. Although certain of these devices have, in fact, tended to achieve some predetermined pattern of shot, the pattern has not been reasonably predictable, nor has the success in achieving such a pattern been consistent over a plurality of firings. These designs also suffer from gaps or holes in the pattern that compromise their effectiveness.

The shotgun is an extremely popular firearm for use in both sport shooting, including trap, sport clays and skeet, as well as hunting. Most modern shotguns include a “choke” located at the end of the barrel for the purpose of constricting the shot column immediately before the shot exits the barrel. This constriction is effected to control the shot pattern size, shape and density and modern shotguns usually employ an interchangeable choke system, thus enabling the hunter or user of the firearm to change chokes according to shooting conditions and targets. Modern shotgun shells, loaded with steel or lead shot, employ a tubular wad typically manufactured from a plastic material, which packages the shot and separates the shot column or string from the shotgun barrel during acceleration of the wad and encapsulated shot through the gun barrel. The wad also provides initial support for the shot and protection for both the shot and gun barrel from undesirable contact with each other when the shotgun shell is fired.

One of the commonly used characteristics in interchangeable shotgun choke design is the use of a parallel section on the distal end of the choke. The parallel features produce desirable effects on the down range performance. The problem is that the added parallel section increases the necessary length of the choke itself. Because of this the interchangeable chokes incorporating these features extend beyond the end of the shotgun barrel.

One of the problems with control of the pattern comes from the rotation of the shot column as it passed down the bore of the shotgun barrel. The rotation may cause an undesirable dispersion of the shot.

One of the problems realized in patterning shotguns and obtaining a desirable shot pattern density, is that of matching a choke to a specific shotgun barrel to provide the desired patterning characteristics. The choke is the primary element which controls the size and density of the shot pattern and typically employs a tapered inner bore to constrict the shot column before it exits the barrel. While so constricted, the shot column and the shot-encapsulating wad produce a back pressure in the barrel, which causes a radial reaction force, stressing the choke. The reaction force of the shot column and the wad during constriction by the choke define the limits of the geometric parameters of the choke, thus limiting the density of the pattern which may be achieved with a specific choke design. Under circumstances where steel shot is used as compared to lead shot, the reaction force of steel is significantly greater than that of lead, further limiting safely achievable shot pattern densities.

When fired, all shotguns produce “recoil”, which is the rearward propulsion of the gun resulting from high velocity escape of gases from the end of the shotgun barrel forwardly, after exiting of the shot column or string and the wad from the barrel. To reduce this recoil, many gun barrels and chokes are provided with porting, which includes an array of holes positioned perpendicular or at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axes of the choke or gun barrel. These ports or openings provide escape for a portion of the propelling gases behind the accelerating wad and encapsulated shot column, in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of shot column travel, and serve to reduce recoil against the shooter's shoulder.

As the wad and shot column exit the gun barrel and the choke, they gradually separate and the distance between the shot column and the wad, after wad and shot expulsion from the choke, greatly effect the shot pattern density. The greater the distance of travel of the shot wad, the greater the distortion of the shot column or string, since deviation of the wad from the plane of travel of the shot string while the trailing pellets in the shot string have not yet exited the wad, causes a change in the direction of travel of that number of shot which is still unseparated from the wad, thus resulting in fewer shot in a desired target area. Another negative effect which is apparent in conventional smooth bore shotgun barrels and barrel chokes is radial spinning of the wad and shot column, caused by unavoidable imperfection in the ammunition. This effect causes an increased radial dispersion of the shot as the shot column or string separates from the wad after exiting the gun barrel, effecting a decrease in shot pattern density.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,676,947 discloses a shotgun muzzle or nozzle construction for producing a uniformly distributed pattern of shot or projectiles within a predetermined confined area. The forward section or diverter is provided with a plurality of internal axially extending shot- or projectile-diverting ridges which define wall means for selectively guiding the projectiles into relative orientation to one another. The ridges define a plurality of walls, the purpose of which is to establish the pattern of projectiles upon a target. Precalculated angular relationships of the various walls and diverter ridges thereon contribute to marked effectiveness of the device

U.S. Pat. No. 4,098,538 has to do with a gun and, more particularly, to a firearm having a rifled barrel which can be used effectively with shotgun shells.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,071,971 discloses a device for controlling the scatter of shot wherein the barrel of the shotgun adjacent the muzzle is provided with grooves disposed at a small angle to the longitudinal axis of the barrel. The grooved portion of the muzzle is constricted to provide a converging then diverging wall portion. The roots of the grooves define a cylinder having a diameter comparable to the diameter of the barrel. The width of the grooves is greater than the size of the shot and discharge of the shot through the barrel past the grooves produces a twisting movement which provides a uniform distribution of the shot.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,711,048 discloses a shotgun choke for deforming the shot pattern to throw a very wide pattern with a narrow vertical band by maintaining a substantially constant width in the choke but narrowing the height of the interior of the choke in a parabolic fashion.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,447 discloses a shotgun choke characterized by multiple, radially-arranged, longitudinal blades having blade edges of selected size and shape for contacting and scoring a wad containing the shot in a shotgun shell, causing the wad panels to open upon expulsion from the shotgun barrel and fall short of the shot string. The shotgun choke of this invention can be built integrally with or detachable from the shotgun barrel, typically by means of threads. The displacement blades constrict the wad containing the shot to effect random constriction forces on the encapsulated shot, define linear gas relief passageways and score the wad linearly to facilitate rapid opening of the wad panels upon ejection of the wad and the shot string from the shotgun choke, such that the wad does not interfere with the shot string as the latter continues to the target. Ports are provided in the shotgun choke and connect to the gas relief passageways to reduce recoil.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,421,945 discloses a muzzle loading shotgun having a barrel with a constant inside diameter that flares outwardly a short distance from the muzzle to a constant diameter. The muzzle end of the barrel has exterior threads which receive the interior threads of a choke. The choke has an internal diameter that tapers inwardly as it progresses from the end of the barrel to the end of the choke. The flared portion of the shotgun barrel allows the shot pattern to expand as it approaches the discharge end of the barrel. The shot within the constant diameter portion of the barrel becomes condensed as it moves outwardly through the choke to achieve the desired concentrated shot pattern. Because the choke is tapered from the enlarged diameter created by the flared portion of the barrel, to a narrower portion at the discharge end thereof, the effective internal diameter of the choke at its discharge end is still large enough to permit the shotgun to be reloaded through that end without the removal of the choke from the shotgun barrel.

SUMMARY

A choke to be used with a muzzle of a gun may include a housing which may include an inner surface and an outer surface, and the housing may include a substantially central bore.

The inner surface may inwardly taper at the distal end of the choke, and the inner surface may include a first depression having a first dimension.

The inner surface may include a second depression having a second dimension, and the inner surface may include a third depression having a third dimension.

The inner surface may include a fourth depression having a fourth dimension, and the first dimension may be substantially equal to the third dimension.

The second dimension may be substantially equal to the fourth dimension, and the first dimension may be a first diameter.

The second dimension may be a second diameter, and the third dimension may be a first diameter.

The fourth dimension may be a second diameter, and the first depression may be substantially opposed to the third depression.

The second depression may be substantially opposed to the fourth depression.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which, like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the end of the choke member of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the choke member of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the choke member and a barrel of a gun.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention relates to shotguns and more particularly, to a shotgun choke which may he integrally shaped in the barrel of a shotgun or threaded on the end of the shotgun barrel and is designed to facilitate reduced recoil and more uniform patterns. The present invention facilitates reduced recoil and the combination of reduced recoil and superior patterning of the shot facilitate greater accuracy in firing the shotgun.

The choke with one or more of these features as described herein and in proper combinations will produce a uniform and effective pattern.

The invention provides a device to obtain the benefits of parallel features in a more compact design.

The benefits of arresting the rotation of the high velocity shot column as it passes thru the choke are also realized in the teachings of the invention.

The invention described hereinafter is explained with reference to its application on shotguns as a device for controlling not only the pattern of shot on a remote target but also the distribution of shot therein. It is to be understood however that the principles set forth and the teachings relating thereto are readily applicable to any projectile emitting device such as for example a high pressure blasting nozzle and that the foregoing explanations and descriptions making reference to shotguns and shells therefore are for exemplary purposes only.

Shotgun barrels are provided in various sizes. The sizes are generally indicated by gauge numbers. As the gauge number increases, the internal bore diameter of the barrel decreases. For example, a standard 10-gauge shotgun has an internal bore diameter of 0.775 inches, and a standard 12-gauge shotgun has an internal diameter bore of 0.729 inches. While the gauge numbers are supposed to correspond to standard internal diameters, the actual internal diameter may be less or more than the “standard” diameter. For example, the actual internal diameter of a 12-gauge bore produced by different manufacturers may vary from as little as 0.722 inches to as large as 0.747 inches.

Shotgun barrels at the muzzle end may also be “choked” to control the shot pattern. The muzzle end of the barrel is constricted by the various choke designs in order to provide a desired pattern. A full choke is supposed to deliver 70-80% of the shot to a 30-inch circle at 40 yards. A modified, or half choke, is supposed to deliver approximately 55-65% of the shot to the 30-inch circle at 40 yards. An improved cylinder choke is supposed to deliver between 45-55% of the shot to the 30-inch circle at 40 yards. For a standard gauge barrel, a specific internal diameter at the constriction is supposed to provide the desired “choked” pattern. The “standard” constrictions are not always used by the manufacturer. For example, a barrel marked “full” choke, may have a constricted diameter which corresponds to or approximates a modified choke constriction.

Also, various forms of variable choke devices are presently available. Since the actual internal diameter of the various gauge shotgun barrels produced by different manufacturers may vary from the standards, different results can be achieved when the same variable choke device is used on different shotguns. When the choke device is used on a particular gun at one setting, a different degree or amount of constriction is obtained if it is used at the same setting on a different barrel of the same marked gauge.

It is, therefore, desirable for the shotgun user to be able to check or measure the internal diameter of the barrel at various depths and also to be able to check the degree of constriction or choke at the muzzle end of the barrel. The actual internal diameter of the barrels can also provide an indication to the user of the degree of useful life or the amount of wear which has been experienced through use. As shotguns are used, internal barrel wear is necessarily experienced. The degree of constriction at the muzzle end or “choke” may decrease also during use.

The present invention includes a shotgun choke which may have a relief of the construction longitudinally and may be achieved with a milling cutter. Additionally, the present invention includes raised longitudinal features.

Increasing the constriction from the taper may improve the external ballistic pattern and may achieve improved shotgun performance at longer ranges.

This concentration of the pattern may increase with the constriction to a point where further constriction may cause the performance of the shotgun to deteriorate.

The present invention allows the further constriction and improved concentration of the pattern which may result in increased performance to continue beyond the above degree of constriction.

For example, full choke may be achieved with the construction of 0.035 or a dimension of c1 being 0.0175 without using the teachings of the present invention.

As a result of the teachings of the present invention, uniform and increased pattern densities are attainable.

For example by using a construction of 0.045 which would be extremely over choke without the benefit of the teachings of the present invention, a value of c1 0.0255 provides a full choke.

The relief dimension may be a1 and equal to 0.006, and the relief dimension of b1 may be equal to 0035.

Other dimensions are well within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-section of a choke member 100 which may be integral with the end of a gun for example a shotgun or other type of gun or which may be detachable with the end of the gun and may include a housing 106 which may include an inner surface 111 and may include an outer surface 109. The choke member 100 may include a substantial central bore 102 to cooperate with the bore of the gun or shotgun. The choke member 100 may include a first depression 101 which may extend longitudinally along the interior surface of the choke member 100 and may be of a first diameter or dimension and may include a second depression 103 which may extend longitudinally along the interior surface of the choke member 100 and may be of a second diameter or dimension which may be smaller or greater than the first diameter. The choke member 100 may include a third depression 105 which may extend longitudinally along the interior surface of the choke member 100 and may be of a first diameter or dimension which may be greater or smaller than the second diameter and may include a fourth depression 107 which may extend longitudinally along the interior surface of the choke member 100 and may be of a second diameter or dimension which may be greater or smaller than the first diameter. The first depression 101 may be substantially opposed to the third depression 105 and the second depression 103 may be substantially opposed to the fourth depression 107. FIG. 1 illustrates that the first depression may have a greater depth which may be signified by B than the second dimension which may be signified by A. The diameter of the central bore 102 may be measured by C. Therefore, B−C>A−C or the converse could be true, namely B−C</=A−C.

The first depression 101 may be substantially opposed to the third depression 105, and the second depression 103 may be substantially opposed to the fourth depression 107.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a portion of the choke member 100 and illustrates that the interior surface 111 of the choke member 100 may constrict or taper inwards as the distal end of the gun is approached in order to achieve an improved accuracy. The first depression, the second depression, the third depression, and the fourth depression may be curved in cross-sectional shape, circular in cross-sectional shape, oval or other appropriate shape and the depth may vary. The choke member 100 is illustrated as being substantially a cylinder; however, other shapes such as oval are within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the choke member 100 of the present invention. The choke member 100 may include external threads 113 to detachably connect to the shotgun muzzle 115 which may include internal threads to cooperate with the external threads 113.

FIG. 3 illustrates a distal end of a gun 131 to accept the choke member 100.

A choke 100 to be used in the muzzle of a gun may include longitudinal axial depressions 101,103,105, 107 in the constricting taper 111 of the choke which may be in parallel with each other and in line with the central axis of the bore.

A choke 100 may used in the muzzle of a gun which may include longitudinal and generally axial depressions 101, 103, 105, 107 being integral with the constricting taper of the choke.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. 

1. A choke to be used with a muzzle of a gun, comprising: a housing including an inner surface and an outer surface; the housing including a substantially central circular bore; wherein the inner surface inwardly tapers at the distal end of the choke and wherein the inner surface includes a first depression having a first dimension.
 2. A choke to be used with a muzzle of a gun as in claim 1, wherein the inner surface includes a second depression having a second dimension.
 3. A choke to be used with a muzzle of a gun as in claim 2, wherein the inner surface includes a third depression having a third dimension.
 4. A choke to be used with a muzzle of a gun as in claim 3, wherein the inner surface includes a fourth depression having a fourth dimension.
 5. A choke to be used with a muzzle of a gun as in claim 4, wherein the first dimension is substantially equal to the third dimension.
 6. A choke to be used with a muzzle of a gun as in claim 4, wherein the second dimension is substantially equal to the fourth dimension.
 7. A choke to be used with a muzzle of a gun as in claim 1, wherein the first dimension is a first diameter.
 8. A choke to be used with a muzzle of a gun as in claim 2, wherein the second dimension is a second diameter.
 9. A choke to be used with a muzzle of a gun as in claim 3, wherein the third dimension is a first diameter.
 10. A choke to be used with a muzzle of a gun as in claim 4, wherein the fourth dimension is a second diameter.
 11. A choke to be used with a muzzle of a gun as in claim 3, wherein the first depression is substantially opposed to the third depression.
 12. A choke to be used with a muzzle of a gun as in claim 4, wherein the second depression is substantially opposed to the fourth depression.
 13. A choke to be used in the muzzle of a gun as in claim 1, wherein the first depression includes longitudinal axial depressions in a constricting taper of the choke which may be in parallel with each other and in line with the central axis of the bore.
 14. A choke may used in the muzzle of a gun as in claim 1, wherein the first depression includes longitudinal and generally axial depressions being integral with a constricting taper of the choke. 